Arrest of 13 Individuals for Brutal Attacks and Thefts on Farms in Guantánamo

In Guantánamo, authorities have detained at least 13 individuals suspected of being involved in a string of violent assaults on rural farms. These incidents reportedly involved groups of people who threatened families, pelted homes with stones, and stole nearly all the livestock they encountered.

The pro-government outlet Guantánamo y su Verdad revealed on Tuesday that these events had recently taken place in rural communities such as El Salvador, Cuatro Caminos, Santa María de Guantánamo, and Manuel Tames. Among the detained are the alleged ringleaders of the criminal groups under investigation.

According to the report, the attacks occurred primarily at night or in the early morning hours. In some instances, the assailants wore masks and resorted to intimidation by hurling stones at homes to prevent residents from exiting.

As families remained indoors, the attackers reportedly used bolt cutters and other tools to break into pens and enclosures, making off with livestock. The stolen animals included cattle, oxen, horses, mules, pigs, sheep, and poultry.

To transport the animals, the groups utilized carts and, in some cases, also stole those belonging to the farmers themselves. The violence employed during these raids resulted in more than just material losses.

Community Reeling from Violent Raids

One woman is reportedly recovering from a maxillofacial fracture caused by a stone during one of the attacks. The investigation uncovered two interlinked groups, and after several initial arrests, most of the suspects have been apprehended in recent days.

One of the most severe incidents took place at La Ninfa del Guaso. According to the report, a farm owner legally possessing a hunting weapon confronted a group of presumed attackers and fired several shots. Four alleged assailants were hit by pellets and subsequently detained. The Ministry of the Interior spokesperson stated they remain in custody.

The fear incited by these raids led some farmers to temporarily abandon their properties. However, two have returned following the arrests. The capture of the suspects was attributed to the cooperation of local residents and various Interior Ministry departments.

Rural Areas Still Facing Threats

Despite the official's optimistic tone, Anioje Ochoa warned on Tuesday that similar incidents continue to occur in other rural areas. He recounted an incident in Carmelíes, Palmas, where a group of four or five people broke into a home at night, attempting to steal belongings.

Upon hearing noises, the owner called for help, prompting the intruders to throw stones at the house, a tactic resembling previous attacks. Fortunately, they did not manage to steal the animals, and no one was seriously injured, according to Ochoa.

Expressing frustration, he lamented, "We can't sleep, we can't live," and called for urgent measures against the perpetrators. He also criticized the police response, indicating that the situation is endangering lives.

Additionally, last July, farmer Antonio Yemén, known as "Toñito," was found dead on his farm in Cerrajón Arriba, Manuel Tames, after a suspected robbery where several cows, a mule, and other animals were stolen. Locals reported that he had been tied up and beaten, highlighting the wave of violence and insecurity plaguing Guantánamo's rural population.

This issue has spread throughout the eastern region. Just days prior, a farmer from Songo-La Maya, Santiago de Cuba, reported that armed men attacked his farm during the early morning hours, allegedly using a gun and stones, killing his dogs, and attempting to steal his animals. He subsequently announced his intention to abandon the land.

Similarly, in May, farmer Osvaldo Carbonel was killed in Segundo Frente, Santiago de Cuba, after recovering a pair of oxen that had been stolen from him earlier. According to reports at the time, the alleged culprits returned later and attacked him.